Bandra shops under scanner for alterations in Mum

MUMBAI: The civic body has demolished around illegal alterations of 82 shops in different malls and encroachments on footpaths by commercial establishments in the Bandra-Santacruz belt in the last four days.

A fire in a mall on Linking Road some months ago put the spotlight on irregularities by shop owners. The BMC has undertaken the drive in the area that is the constituency of BJP city chief Ashish Shelar. The Bandra legislator had earlier complained to the BMC chief about illegal structures in the area after the Linking Road blaze.

Earlier, the civic body had served notices to the owners of malls about the illegal alterations. Malls along Linking Road were also inspected after the Bandra blaze.

However, residents are sceptical that the shop owners in other areas will face the music for illegal alterations. “It just an eyewash, action should be initiated in every area. In Juhu, Lokhandwala and Andheri there are so many illegal alterations in residential tenements and commercial establishments. Despite complaints, the civic officials are not taking action,” said Ashoke Pandit, an activist and filmmaker.

“These alterations can cause havoc. A a builder has constructed a flat in the refuge area. Instead of acting against them, the civic officials are helping them to avoid prosecution.”

“No action has been initiated in Colaba despite repeated complaints against encroachments. The civic officials are focusing only on areas where celebrities lives, instead of initiating action across the city” said Subhash Motwani of the Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association.